1)What are the benefits of massage therapy?

There are many benefits to having a massage depending on your reason for having one in the first place. If you are injured in some way it can help to speed up your recovery otherwise a more general massage can help:

-Deep relaxation

-Relieve Stress and Muscular Tension

-Improve Circulation

-Eliminate Fat

-Promote Healthy Skin

-Aid Metabolism and Digestion

-Relieve Mental Exhaustion and Increase Vitality

 

2)What if I'm overweight or embarrassed about my body?

You wouldn't believe how many times I've heard someone say they'd get a massage if they lost weight first or didn't have that cellulite on the back of their thighs. Don't let this stop you. You're denying yourself quite a pleasurable experience. I have seen bodies in every imaginable shape and size, from young to old, and I'm not here trying to judge your physique or ogle your body. I'm a professional who has found massage to be a wonderful gift to give to men and women alike, regardless of age and weight, and am proud of what I can offer to people in need of help or just wanting to luxuriate in the sense of touch.

 

3)What is not included in a therapeutic massage?

Sex. Let's get it right there out in the open. We all know that there are tons of places that call themselves massage parlours, and probably the last thing you'll get there is a real massage. It is pretty obvious from the ads these places have, and the way they present their businesses, that they are offering sex. They are not to be confused with therapeutic massage. These massage parlours may have licenses, they have taken the minimum hours of training to become a professional therapist to get that license, but massage is not what they're selling. That's not the place to go complaining about tight hamstrings.

Many phone books have listings for therapeutic massage, and most of the people or businesses listed there are serious body workers, not prostitutes. They will be up front with you about what not to expect from the massage. Most practitioners of therapeutic massage call themselves massage therapists, because the titles masseur and masseuse have sexual connotations associated with massage parlours. Massage therapists work out of their studios, homes or offices, not parlours.

 

4)Do I have to be completely undressed?

You should undress to your comfort level. I will work around the clothes left the best I can. You should realize that this may mean that certain areas of the body may not be massaged at all, or may only receive minimal work there. I suggest to my clients that they be completely undressed under the drape, but they should leave on whatever clothes are necessary for them to be relaxed during the massage. If removing all your clothes makes you too nervous and unable to relax, then receiving this type of massage won't allow you to obtain the optimal benefits from it.

The pieces of clothing left on the most often are either underwear or socks. Certain styles of underwear will allow access to most muscles in the buttocks if they are moved slightly. Underwear that comes over the bottom of the buttocks usually mean that no work will be done in that area. Some women wear thong panties to a massage. It allows the therapist access to all of the major buttock muscles, and also allows them the comfort and modesty they prefer.

　

5)How often should I receive a massage?

The answer here depends on the reasons for receiving the massage. If a client comes for some injury relief and to relieve chronic tightness that is interfering with their daily lives in some way, weekly sessions may be necessary for a while to build on each session's improvement and speed up the healing process. For those who use massage as preventative care and for managing the daily stress in their lives, once a month is about the norm. They may shorten the time between massages during stressful periods, Some come more often simply becausethey enjoy it that much.

For most people, the frequency of the massages they receive is limited by their pocketbook. It's an unfortunate fact, but once many people realize the benefits it provides them, and the pleasure they receive from it, they find a way to incorporate a regular session into their budget.

 

6)Are your massages sensual?

This is one of the most common questions! If it is properly performed, by a happy and relaxed therapist, a good massage gives pleasure to both your body and your senses. A massage is also intimate; after all you are being touched warmly with care by another human being, so yes, massage can be a sensual experience. Please do not however confuse sensuality with sex, they are relatives but not twins.

 

7)Are you a qualified massage therapist?

Yes I am fully qualified, experienced and insured in all the therapies that I do. (see Ctha membership profile for details).

 

8)What type of massage is best for me?

If this is your first massage it is probably best to go for a holistic treatment however you can see my videos to get an idea of which will be best suited to your needs.

 

9)Can I eat or drink before a massage?

It is best not to have a massage on a full stomach, wait at least 1 hour. also it's best to avoid drinking alcohol before your massage.

 

10)What if I get aroused during the massage?

This is nothing to get embarrassed about. Often during a massage with gentle touch administered to any area of the body can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and cause arousal especially in men. For the majority of the treatment you will be lying on your front but I do understand and will ignore it if the situation does arise!

 

11)Can I talk to you during the massage?

Although it is best to relax totally in silence whilst the session is taking place, if you'd like to chat during your massage you can and you shouldn't be shy to let me know if the pressure or temperature of the room is not right for you.

　

12)Are there any side effects to massage?

The body releases toxins through massage so you might feel a little dizzy or suffer a headache after a massage especially if it is your first treatment. Many people describe feeling like they are 'floating' directly after a treatment. These are natural reactions which you should not need to worry about, drink lots of water to decrease these symptoms. Also feeling soreness in your muscles the next day is also perfectly natural.

 

13)Do you bring a table when visiting me?

Yes. I bring everything that's needed including a table, towels, oils etc. so please be sure you have enough room for my table where you are (table size: 190x65cm).

　

14)Are there any reasons I may not be able to have a massage?

Here are a list of contraindications to each type of massage that I do. If you are not sure if one of these conditions applies to you simply contact me to discuss any issues you may have, discretion assured.

Holistic Massage -

-Fever

-Contagious or infectious diseases, including colds and flu

-Under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription pain medication

-Recent operations or acute injuries

-Neuritis

-Skin diseases. Varicose veins

-Undiagnosed lumps or bumps

-Pregnancy

-Bruising

-Cuts or abrasions

-Sunburn.

-Undiagnosed pain.

-Inflammation, including arthritis.

-Cardio-vascular conditions

-Any condition already being treated by a medical professional

-Oedema

-Psoriasis or eczema

-Osteoporosis

-Cancer

-Nervous or psychotic conditions

-Heart problems

-Epilepsy

-Diabetes

-Bell's palsy, trapped or pinched nerves

-Gynaecological infections

Sport/Deep Tissue \massage -

-Muscle ruptures

-Tendon ruptures

-Contusions

-Burns, Chilblains and Broken bones

-Periostitis

-Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gout

-Bursitis

-Myositis obsidians

-Infections of the skin and soft tissue

-Thrombosis

-Artificial blood vessels

-Bleeding disorders such as haemophilia

-Tumours

Hot stone Massage -

-Hypertension

-Inflamed skin conditions

-Diabetes

-Open wounds or sores

-Pregnancy

 

15)Does a contraindication mean that a treatment cannot take place?

Not always. In fact, massage can be very therapeutic for many medical conditions. However, in the above cases it is best to have advice from your physician. Massage therapists, unless they are qualified doctors, may not, under law, attempt to diagnose a condition.

 

16)What if the massage wasn't quite what I wanted?

Every massage therapist has their own style, their own approach to massage, the strokes they like to use, and the depth they like to work. Some prefer a more clinical approach, some a more personal approach. Not every client clicks with every massage therapist. The key is to find one who can deliver the type of massage you like best. When you find one you like, stick with them and sing their praises.

I've had many massages over the years from both men and women, some have been astoundingly good, others just so-so. Some have skipped areas that I would have would have preferred to have been massaged. Others have had a quiet, impersonal approach and I prefer it the other way around. This doesn't mean they've given you a bad massage, or that you haven't reaped any benefits from it, just that it wasn't quite what you're looking for. This is one reason why personal recommendations from friends and family can be so valuable. You can get a good sense of the therpist's style from them, and know how well it matches your expectations before you visit them.

　

If your question still hasn't been answered then contact me for any further advice.